Huntsville LHP Christian MacLeod latest north Alabama standout to sign with Mississippi State

Mississippi State's baseball recruiting efforts in north Alabama paid off again today as Huntsville left-handed pitcher Christian MacLeod signed with the Bulldogs.

MacLeod is the latest in a recent pipeline of Tennessee Valley players to Starkville. Former Huntsville pitcher Graham Ashcraft is a sophomore at Mississippi State, and the Bulldogs' 2017 signing class included James Clemens outfielder Jordan Anderson, Grissom infielder Justin Foscue and Cullman outfielder Owen Lovell.

"I think it's really cool that I'll be playing with those guys who've I've known for a few years now," MacLeod said.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound MacLeod initially committed to Oklahoma in December 2016. He pledged to Mississippi State in July.

"It was really tough," MacLeod said of switching commitments. "The first time I went to Oklahoma, we flew and it was only about a two-hour flight, so I didn't think about how far it really was. Then we drove out there in May to see them play TCU and it was a 13-hour drive. I'm a big family guy. It really put into perspective that it was going to be hard for my my parents, brothers and grandparents to come watch me. I'm definitely happy that I'll be closer to home and my family will be there"

MacLeod was named Class 7A first-team All-State last season after going 7-1 with a 1.12 ERA, 91 strikeouts and 17 walks in 56 1/3 innings. He tossed three shutouts and a no-hitter. MacLeod was named a Collegiate Baseball second-team All-American and a Perfect Game